AARP Hearing Center
AARP
The 2026 legislative session was one of the most exciting and successful in recent memory for AARP and the older adults we represent. Thanks to the dedication, passion, and persistence of AARP volunteers across the state, lawmakers advanced and passed 12 major pieces of legislation that will help improve the lives of residents for years to come.
AARP
Leading the way was SB 405, a significant victory focused on strengthening nursing home quality oversight which ensures that older adults and their families will have access to safe, quality long-term care options. This legislation reflects a core AARP priority: protecting vulnerable residents and empowering families with greater confidence and transparency when making care decisions. The passage of SB 405 demonstrates what can happen when advocates unite around a common goal and make their voices heard.
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But SB 405 was only the beginning.
While AARP and volunteers championed many priorities to help older adults age with dignity, they also advocated for key consumer protection victories including improvements to the state’s current crypto kiosk law, expanding collaboration between financial institutions and consumers to identify fraud and scams, and the continuation of the statewide “STOP Elderly Fraud” Task Force, which pulls together law enforcement and leaders on fraud prevention. These achievements represent meaningful progress on policies that touch nearly every stage of the aging journey.
Another high-profile issue during the 2026 session was SB 490, which addressed the creation of private-use electrical networks for large industrial customers and data centers. If passed, SB 490 would have potentially passed on the cost to utility ratepayers, many of whom are on fixed incomes. AARP actively opposed the legislation while ensuring the interests of residential consumers and older adults were represented. Ultimately, AARP was successful in defeating the legislation and protecting consumers from higher utility rates.
Volunteer advocacy remains the heart of AARP’s success. While legislation may be debated inside the Capitol, it is often the voices of engaged citizens that make the difference. Behind every legislative win was an army of dedicated volunteers. They attended committee hearings, met with legislators, sent emails, made phone calls, shared personal stories, and educated policymakers about the real-life challenges facing older adults.
Lawmakers consistently heard from AARP volunteers who brought credibility, experience, and a commitment to improving their communities. Their willingness to speak up ensured that the needs of older adults remained front and center throughout the session. Their efforts transformed priorities into policy and helped build bipartisan support for meaningful change.
As we celebrate these legislative victories, we also celebrate the volunteers who made them possible. Their commitment, determination, and belief in the power of advocacy helped shape a successful 2026 session and created positive change for countless families across the state.
If you are interested in becoming an advocacy volunteer, please contact Andrew Muhl at amuhl@aarp.org or (225) 376-1151.
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